that are missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that are missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items, elements, or information that are absent or not present in a given context. Example: "We need to identify the components that are missing from the final report before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's about 15% that are missing.

The Guardian

"There's kids that are missing right now.

The New York Times

It's not just businesses that are missing out.

The Guardian

It is not only words that are missing.

The New Yorker

Some bare nails suggest squares that are missing or invisible.

The New Yorker

There are friends and co-workers that are missing.

The Guardian

Enter the new directory and run dpkg-checkbuilddeps, and install any dependencies that are missing.

University of California, Berkeley

The problems that are missing from this problem set, they have now done.

Cornell University

This contains the first two scenes that are missing from all available DVDs.

Columbia University

Identify potential clefs for fragmentary Renaissance and Medieval pieces that are missing their clefs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I miss what I already have, and I surround myself with things that are missing".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the verb 'are' agrees with a plural antecedent. For example, use 'that are missing' when referring to 'pieces', 'data points' or 'individuals'.

Common error

Do not use 'that are missing' with a singular subject. If you are referring to a single item, such as a 'file' or a 'person', the correct form is 'that is missing'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that are missing" functions as a relative clause used to modify a plural noun. It identifies a specific subset of items by their absence. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used to provide essential detail about what is not present in a given set.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that are missing" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct relative clause used to describe the absence of plural items. Ludwig AI confirms that it is an essential tool for writers across disciplines, appearing frequently in everything from breaking news reports about missing persons to scientific papers discussing gaps in genomic data. It is most effective when it follows a clear plural antecedent and can be interchanged with "that are absent" for a more formal tone or "that are unaccounted for" when a sense of mystery or financial discrepancy is implied. Overall, it is a standard, reliable expression in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are absent

Provides a slightly more formal tone often used in technical or academic descriptions.

which are not present

A literal and neutral description of absence.

which are lacking

Suggests a deficiency or a need for the items rather than just their absence.

that are unaccounted for

Commonly used in the context of people, money or inventory where the exact location is unknown.

which are omitted

Implies that the items were intentionally or accidentally left out of a list or set.

that are gone

A more informal and direct way to describe something that was once there but is no longer.

that are unavailable

Often used in logistics or commerce to indicate items cannot be accessed currently.

that are misplaced

Suggests the items exist but are in the wrong location.

that are short

Usually refers to quantities or measurements that do not meet a required threshold.

that are needed

Focuses on the requirement for the items rather than the state of their absence.

FAQs

What is the difference between "that are missing" and "which are missing"?

In American English, "that are missing" is typically used for restrictive clauses that define the noun, while "which are missing" is used for non-restrictive clauses that add extra information (usually set off by commas).

Can I use "that are missing" in a formal report?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. However, in very formal scientific contexts, you might consider "that are absent" or "not present" as precise alternatives.

When should I use "that is missing" instead?

You should use "that is missing" when the noun it refers to is singular, such as "the document that is missing".

What is a synonym for "that are missing" in a business context?

Depending on the situation, you could use "that are outstanding" for tasks or "that are unaccounted for" for physical inventory.